Two part multi-function electronic device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a keyboard, a receptacle for insertion of a least a part of a communication part, wherein the communication part includes a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part, and wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the apparatus, the communication part is configured to operate independently of the apparatus and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the apparatus such that at least a portion of the display of the communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard of the apparatus for user input and the display for user output.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, claims priority to and the benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/119,152, filed on Apr. 29, 2005, status pending, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The subject matter of this application relates to a multi-use electronic device. More specifically, this application describes a unique arrangement of a two part electronic device that utilizes a touch screen display and separate cover having a full text keyboard.

2. Brief Description of Related Developments

Mobile telephones and similar communication devices are rapidly expanding in use and function. Such devices will soon accommodate many diverse services such as, Internet access, personal information management, facsimile, imaging, messaging, and video conferencing, in addition to telephone communication. To accomplish this there is a need to provide keypads, function buttons, and displays that are compatible with the more complex applications to which the mobile device will be adapted. Full function text keyboards, such as the standard QWERTY typing array of keys and buttons, are difficult to provide while maintaining the compact size required in the mobile device. An equally difficult problem is presented by the need for display screens that can display the vast amount of different information that will be accessible by these devices. Such devices on the market today are cumbersome and often require several devices to obtain the full array of functions, i.e. personal digital assistant and a mobile telephone.

With the introduction of such multi-function electronic devices, it has become increasingly more difficult to design a user interface that enables the user to access the many types of functions and applications available in small hand held devices. It is a particular challenge to present a simple and efficient means by which the user can communicate with the device for browsing, selecting, and operating amidst the wide array of functional choices. The user interface generally consists of a keypad for entering data and commands and a display screen for presenting information relating to operation of the selected function. The keypad and display are in continuous competition for space on the device, as it is desirable that each be as large as possible for ease of use and viewing. This is particularly difficult when it is advantageous to provide a full function keyboard, for example, a QWERTY style keyboard.

It is a purpose of this invention to provide a keyboard mounted on a cover part to maximize the allotment of space to both the display and the keyboard.

It is a purpose of the subject matter of this application to provide a simple and inexpensive full function mobile communications device, which can access many services through the use of a single device. It is another purpose of the subject matter of this application to combine the personal digital assistant with a mobile telephone in a practical package of minimum dimensions. It is also a purpose of the subject matter of this application to provide a configuration of text keyboard and display that maximizes the size of both.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a disclosed embodiment is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus includes a keyboard, a receptacle for insertion of a least a part of a communication part, wherein the communication part comprises a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part, and wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the apparatus, the communication part is configured to operate independently of the apparatus and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the apparatus such that at least a portion of the display of the communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard of the apparatus for user input and the display for user output.

In another aspect, a disclosed embodiment is directed to a method. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting an insertion of a communication part into a receptacle of an apparatus, wherein the communication part includes a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part, and activating a keyboard of the apparatus upon detection of the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part for use with the display of the apparatus.

In a further aspect, one embodiment is directed to a system. In one embodiment, the system includes a communication part having a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part, and a user interface enhancement part including a keyboard and a receptacle for the at least partial insertion of the communication part, wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part, the communication part is configured to operate independently of the user interface enhancement part and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the user interface enhancement part such that at least a portion of the display of the communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard of the user interface enhancement part for user input and the display for user output.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The multi-function device of this invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the front of the communication portion of the multi-functional device of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cover portion of the multi-functional device of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the communication portion and cover portions separated;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the communication portion engaged in the cover portion; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the components of a multi-functional device according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A multi-functional electronic device 10, for example, a combination PDA/cellular telephone incorporating the features of the present invention is illustrated in the figures. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter may have many alternate forms. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

The multi-functional device 10 of this invention is constructed in two parts, an independently operable communications part 1 and a cover part 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Communications part 1 encloses the components of the device in various known configurations to provide a wide variety of functions and applications. These components include, for example a microprocessor, mobile telephone transceiver, PDA, display driver firmware, memory and other processor components depending on the features offered to the user. In the preferred embodiment these features include a mobile telephone, a PDA, and a camera. The communications part 1 is constructed with a touch screen display 3 and interface keys and buttons 4 for operation of the camera feature, power on/off, and other basic functions. The touch sensitive screen 3 may be configured to provide the user interface for the PDA and telephone features.

The cover part 2 is constructed with a base 5 having a receptacle 6 for receiving the communications part 1. As shown in FIG. 3, cover part 2 has a flip up lid 7 pivotally connected to the base by hinges 8, adjacent to the receptacle 6. The lid 7 is moveable between a position in which the lid extends at least partially over the receptacle and an open position in which the lid 7 rests on a flat deck 9 at the rear of the cover 2. The receptacle 6 includes an opening 20 that allows insertion of communication part 1 independent of the position of the lid 7. A full text keyboard 11 is mounted on the inside face 12 of lid 7 relative to the cover position. The keyboard 11 is accessible in the fully opened position of the lid 7 and is securely supported by deck 9.

Since the operational components of the multi-function device 10 are contained in the communications part 1, an electrical connection is provided when the communication part 1 is engaged in cover part 2. This enables the keyboard 11 to be fully operationally in conjunction with touch screen display 3.

In an alternate embodiment, communication part 2 is engagable in the cover position in two operational positions, one, a fully inserted position, as shown in FIG. 4, or a pivoted position, as shown in phantom in FIG. 4. In the fully inserted position, the display screen 3 may not be fully visible and the display portion is therefore limited to a certain extent. In the pivoted position (see phantom lines 13), the touch screen display may be tilted upward to provide an ergonomic orientation, for example at angle θ of 100° to 170°. In this position, the display 3 is fully exposed and can be configured to provide a full display for keyboard 11. In this manner the space allotment for the keyboard and display in a multi-functional device is maximized within the limits of the device without compromising the functioning of either component.

In an alternate embodiment of this invention, a window 14 may be constructed in rear deck 9 to provide visible access to a portion of display screen 3. The display 3 may be configured to provide a display interface for a camera or cellular phone feature, thereby enabling these features to be used without removing part 1 from the cover part 2.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 5, the multifunction communication terminal 10 of FIGS. 1-4, comprises a system of components that are operatively interconnected through main controller 15 to provide the combined functions of a camera 16, PDA 17, and mobile telephone 18. Main control processor 15 is supported by a memory 19 and processes data and commands from mobile telephone module 18, camera module 16, and PDA module 17, and other user interface components. The primary user interface of the device 10 includes touch sensitive display 3 and function keys and buttons 4. The display 3 has an associated driver 21. Touch sensitive display screen 3 is operable to support data input for PDA functions, for example in association with keyboard 11, and a data or image display mode to support other functions. Browser key and soft keys 4 provide a secondary user interface as needed. Controller 15 provides the operating function of the PDA 17 and coordinates the operation of the keyboard 11 with the display screen 3.

Display driver 21 is operatively associated with display screen 3 to cause the displayed data to be oriented longitudinally on the display screen 3, in parallel with the keyboard 11. Insertion of communication part 1 in cover part 2 prompts controller 15 to activate the keyboard 11 and cause display driver 21 to orient the displayed data accordingly. The size of the display area would also be coordinated according to the available space for the different engagement positions, i.e. full insertion, or pivotal, of communication part 1 in the cover part 2. In addition, the display area would be configured to conform with the area of display 3 exposed by window 14, when the communication part 1 is fully inserted and the lid 7 is closed.

It should be understood that the above description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art with out departing from the invention. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall with the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a keyboard; a receptacle for insertion of a least a part of a communication part; wherein the communication part comprises a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part, and wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the apparatus, the communication part is configured to operate independently of the apparatus and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the apparatus such that at least a portion of the display of the communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard of the apparatus for user input and the display for user output.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the apparatus and is configured to activate the keyboard for use with the display when the communication part has been inserted into the receptacle.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the first mode of operation, user input is provided by the touch sensitive display and user output is provided by the touch sensitive display.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the second mode of operation, the communication part is inserted into the receptacle and only a portion of the display of the communication part is visible.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the second mode of operation, the communication part is inserted into the receptacle and the whole of the display is visible.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the communication part is pivotably connected to the apparatus when inserted into the apparatus.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keyboard is a full text QWERTY keyboard.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication part further comprises a controller and wherein the controller is configured to detect the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the apparatus and, when the insertion has been detected, to orientate the display so that it is optimally positioned for use with the keyboard of the apparatus.
 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication part is handheld.
 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication part is a mobile telephone.
 11. A method comprising: detecting an insertion of a communication part into a receptacle of an apparatus, wherein the communication part comprises a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part; and activating a keyboard of the apparatus upon detection of the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part for use with the display of the apparatus.
 12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the communication part is inserted into the receptacle and only a portion of the display of the communication part is visible.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising adjusting an active display area of the display to correspond with the visible portion of the display.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the communication part is inserted into the receptacle and the whole of the display is visible.
 15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the communication part is pivotably connected to the apparatus when inserted into the apparatus.
 16. A method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising orienting the display, when the insertion has been detected, so that it is optimally positioned for use with the keyboard of the apparatus.
 17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the display is oriented so that its contents are displayed parallel to a row of keys of the keyboard that extend in a longitudinal direction.
 18. A system comprising: a communication part having a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part; and a user interface enhancement part comprising a keyboard and a receptacle for the at least partial insertion of the communication part, wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part, the communication part is configured to operate independently of the user interface enhancement part and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the user interface enhancement part such that at least a portion of the display of the communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard of the user interface enhancement part for user input and the display for user output.
 19. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the user interface enhancement part is configured to detect the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part and is configured to activate the keyboard for use with the display when the communication part has been inserted into the receptacle.
 20. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein, in the first mode of operation, user input is provided by the touch sensitive display and user output is provided by the touch sensitive display. 